Second in Iggulden's Conqueror series. This book picks up the story of Genghis after he has united the tribes. He plans to lead them across the Gobi Desert and attack the cities of the Chin. Graphic detail describes the Battle of Badger Mouth and the siege of Yenking (Beijing today), stronghold of the Chin and home of their Emperor. The incident of the falling petals, where up to sixty thousand young girls threw themselves from Yenking's walls rather than see the city's defeat, is shocking. Also is the slaughter of entire populations of cities, the mass executions of prisoners and use of them as arrow-fodder. Different methods of warfare are needed and the tribes have much to learn. Genghis gradually learns the value of knowledge, and the usefulness of engineers. I was happy to see historical notes included which add depth to the understanding of the story. ( )

Another good installment in this series. A little "bloodier" as there was a bit more of the war type scenes in this book. Definitely left room for more happenings as Genghis is still alive and kicking. Will now need to read the remainder of the series. ( )

A well-written and engrossing historical fiction series that focuses on Khan's rise to power and subsequent war-faring. The book is a bit light on character development, and I never felt as if I truly "knew" Khan, but all of the warfare strategy was quite interesting. ( )

This is the second in the series telling the story of the 12th century Mongol warrior. The first book, which I read some time ago covered his childhood and adolescense. In spite of the absence of any character list or any references made to the first book at the beginning of this one I managed to recall the characters quite quickly. During the years covered in this book Genghis and his brothers unite the warring tribes of the Mongols into one nation and go rampaging through China. Whilst I did enjoy this, I found it very difficult to sympathise with any of the characters. A lot of them seemed a little one-dimensional. I suppose this may have something to do with the lack of historic source material available to the author. I will read the next one on the series when I get round to it, although I am in no great hurry to find out what happens next. ( )

Behold, a people shall come forth from the north, and a great nation. They shall hold the bow and the lance; they are cruel and will not show mercy; their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses every one put in array, like a man to the battle.

Wikipedia in English (4)

The brand new novel from the No.1 bestselling author of Emperor, his series on Julius Caesar. The second in the bestselling new Conqueror series on Genghis Khan, it is a wonderful, epic story which Conn Iggulden brings brilliantly to life. The gathering of the tribes of the Mongols has been a long time in coming but finally, triumphantly, Temujin of the Wolves, Genghis Khan, is given the full accolade of the overall leader and their oaths. Now he can begin to meld all the previously warring people into one army, one nation. But the task Genghis has set himself and them is formidable. He is determined to travel to the land of the long-time enemy, the Chin and attack them there. The distances and terrain-the wide deserts, the impenetrable mountains-make it a difficult venture even for the legendary Mongolian speed of movement, but the greatest problem is that of the complex fortifications, a way of fighting wars of a settled urban population which the nomadic Mongolians had never come across. Finding ways to tackle that and keeping his tribes together in a strange environment presents another new and exciting challenge for Genghis Khan.Not only must Genghis succeed in this incredible campaign, but he must also reconcile the restless factions among his own generals, mediate between his ambitious brothers and cope with his own reactions to his growing sons.The young warrior has become a notable and victorious military commander of thousands: he must now learn to become a great leader of peoples of many different races and religions. Lords of the Bow is a deeply satisfying novel. It is epic in scope, convincing, and fascinating in the narration of an extraordinary story. Above all Genghis Khan continues to dominate the scene as he matures from the young boy of Wolf of the Plains to the great Conqueror.

From the author of the bestselling The Dangerous Book for Boys Conn Iggulden’s novels are grand historical tales of conquest and vengeance, cruelty and greatness. Now the acclaimed author of Genghis: Birth of an Empire delivers a masterful new novel of the mighty Mongol conqueror—as Genghis Khan sets out to unify an entire continent under his rule.…

He came from over the horizon, a single Mongol warrior surrounded by his brothers, sons, and fellow tribesmen. With each battle his legend grew and the ranks of his horsemen swelled, as did his ambition. For centuries, primitive tribes had warred with one another. Now, under Genghis Khan, they have united as one nation, setting their sights on a common enemy: the great, slumbering walled empire of the Chin.

A man who lived for battle and blood, Genghis leads his warriors across the Gobi Desert and into a realm his people had never seen before—with gleaming cities, soaring walls, and canals. Laying siege to one fortress after another, Genghis called upon his cunning and imagination to crush each enemy in a different way, to overcome moats, barriers, deceptions, and superior firepower—until his army faced the ultimate test of all.

In the city of Yenking—modern-day Beijing—the Chin will make their final stand, setting a trap for the Mongol raiders, confident behind their towering walls. But Genghis will strike with breathtaking audacity, never ceasing until the Emperor himself is forced to kneel.